Comparison of Encryption Algorithms for Wearable Devices in IoT Systems

TL;DR

This paper evaluates various encryption algorithms for wearable IoT devices, addressing their security needs, resource constraints, and future quantum threats to identify the most suitable methods.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of encryption algorithms tailored for wearable IoT devices, considering current limitations and future quantum computing challenges.

Findings

Certain lightweight encryption algorithms are more suitable for resource-constrained wearables.

Quantum-resistant encryption methods are emerging as necessary for future-proof security.

Trade-offs between security strength and computational efficiency are critical in algorithm selection.

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) expansion has brought a new era of connected devices, including wearable devices like smartwatches and medical monitors, that are becoming integral parts of our daily lives. These devices not only offer innovative functionalities but also generate and transmit plenty of sensitive data, making their security and privacy the primary concerns. Given the unique challenges posed by wearable devices, such as limited computational resources and the need for real-time data processing, encryption stands as a cornerstone for safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of the data they handle. Various encryption algorithms, each with its own set of advantages and limitations, are available to meet the diverse security and computational needs of wearable IoT devices. As we move into an age where quantum computing could potentially disrupt traditional encryption methods, choosing a suitable encryption algorithm becomes even more critical. This paper explores and evaluates the suitability of different encryption methods in the context of wearable IoT devices, considering current and future security challenges.